Strawberry farming in India

What starts out white, then turns red, stands up in a bed, and the plumper it gets, the more the good-wife likes it, and has seeds on the outside? Yes you guessed it right it's strawberries. 

They are the most unique fruits unlike many other fruits, strawberries reproduce primarily through runners (stolons), which root at their tips to form new plants. 

 King Charles V had over 1,000 strawberries planted in the royal gardens of the Louvre in Paris during the 1300s. The first American strawberry varieties were cultivated in the 1830s, with the Hoveg variety being grown in Massachusetts in 1834. 

The cultivation of strawberries was driven by a combination of their ease of propagation, culinary and medicinal uses, improvements in varieties through hybridization. Lets understand more about it: 

What are strawberries? 

Strawberries are  bright red, heart-shaped fruits with a wide top that tapers down to a point. They range in size, with some varieties being up to two inches wide. 

The "seeds" on the surface are actually individual fruits called achenes. The fleshy part of the strawberry is an accessory fruit, which is the enlarged receptacle of the flower.

Strawberries are considered the low-growing herbaceous plants with a fibrous root system and propagate through runners, which root at their tips to form new plants.

There are some important factors that influence the sweet texture of strawberries like it  contains three main sugars: sucrose, glucose, and fructose. 

The balance of these sugars contributes to their sweetness. Also acidity, primarily from citric and malic acids, affects the perceived sweetness by balancing the sugar content.

Cultivation of strawberries varies from regional climate conditions in India but generally, November and April is a season in which strawberries grow in india. 

The strawberry cultivation season in Maharashtra typically runs from August to November, with the main harvest season extending from October to April. 

Strawberries are largely produced in Maharashtra and after that cultivated on land of  hills of Himachal Pradesh, where the climate is suitable for strawberry growth. It is also cultivated in uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu and karnataka from the southern part of India. 

Also Read: Walnuts in India: Top Varieties, Cultivation Guide, Health Benefits & Uses

Different varieties of strawberry

Picking the right kinds of strawberry fruit for your zone and site situation will enhance your crop and keep you in berries for an extended period of time. Start with your zone and growing season information as you decide the best strawberry varieties for your home garden. There are three main variety of strawberries that are cultivated in India: 

• June-bearing plants have one monster crop of berries per year. June is the general time for bearing but that may be earlier or later depending upon your zone.
• Ever-bearing plants have more modest sized crops, but they can start producing as soon as there are 12 hours of daylight and continue bearing until the end of summer.
• Day-neutral strawberry plant types have three peak periods of fruiting. Usually these fall as early June, mid-July, and late August, which provides a nicely spread outcrop.

How to do strawberry farming at home 

The idea of growing strawberries at home can be a rewarding experience, providing fresh and delicious fruits right in your backyard or even indoors. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you get started with strawberry farming at home: 

1. Preparing soil:  Strawberries prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ranging from 5.8 to 6.5. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, adjust the pH accordingly using lime or sulfur. The ideal soil is well-drained and fertile, with a mix of sand, silt, and clay.
2. Planting Strawberries: Choose the strawberries from seeds, runners, or bare-root plants, Plant strawberries about 18 inches apart to allow room for runners, Ensure the crown (where the leaves emerge) is at soil level. For bare-root plants, soak them in water before planting to rehydrate the roots. 
3. Growing condition: Strawberries generally thrive in   full sun, so choose a location that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight, also it requires watering about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. Use a continuous-release fertilizer to promote fruit production.
4. Growing methods: Plant strawberries directly in the ground or raised beds, Consider hydroponic systems for controlled environments and higher yields, Use large pots or hanging baskets for space-saving options.
5. Maintenance: Remove runners to encourage fruiting, or allow them to spread for more plants and monitor and inspect plants for signs of pests or diseases and use organic or integrated pest management strategies as needed. Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Also Read: Plantation Crops in India: Types, Cultivation, and Economic Importance

Health benefits of strawberries

Strawberries are prized for their intense, natural sweet taste and deep red color. But it gets better. Strawberries have been studied more intensely than almost any other fruit or vegetable. Here are 10 of our favorite strawberry health facts.

1. Strawberries help reduce triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol, contributing to heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving blood vessel function.
2.  The antioxidants in strawberries, such as anthocyanins, have anti-inflammatory effects that protect against heart disease.
3. Vitamin C also has anti-aging effects by boosting collagen production and Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, essential for immune function and skin health.
4. Strawberries have a low glycemic index, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and is beneficial for those with diabetes. Consuming strawberries may improve insulin sensitivity, aiding in glucose metabolism.
5. Strawberries provide both soluble and insoluble fiber, supporting digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
6. They may help suppress appetite by boosting fat-burning hormones like adiponectin and leptin.  These compounds are associated with good eye health, potentially reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Culinary use of strawberries

1. Combine fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, feta cheese, and candied pecans, dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to make strawberries spinach salad. 
2. You can easily make a healthy and natural homemade strawberry by simmering strawberries with sugar and lemon juice, perfect for toast, pancakes, or as a topping jam.
3. A fizzy drink made by muddling strawberries and basil, then mixing with lemon juice and soda water. 
4. Toss strawberries with sugar and roast until caramelized, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy topping.